Berkswell Cheese facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Berkswell |
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Cut Berkswell
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| Other names | Berkswell Ewe, Berkswell Hard |
| Country of origin | England |
| Region | West Midlands |
| Source of milk | Ewes |
| Pasteurised | No |
| Texture | Hard |
| Weight | 6 pounds (2.7 kg) |
| Aging time | 4–8 Months |
| Named after | Lua error in Module:Wikidata at line 70: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). |
Berkswell is a special kind of hard cheese made in England. It comes from a place called Ram Hall Farm, near the village of Berkswell in the West Midlands region. This cheese is unique because it's made from the milk of ewes (female sheep) and has a very distinct shape.
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What is Berkswell Cheese?
Berkswell is known as a hard cheese. This means it has a firm texture, similar to cheeses like cheddar or parmesan. It is made using milk from ewes, which are female sheep. The milk used for Berkswell cheese is "unpasteurised." This means it has not been heated to kill bacteria, which some cheesemakers believe gives the cheese a richer flavor.
Where Does Berkswell Cheese Come From?
This delicious cheese is made at Ram Hall Farm. This farm is located close to the village of Berkswell in the West Midlands of England. The area is known for its beautiful countryside and traditional farming methods.
How is Berkswell Cheese Made?
Making Berkswell cheese involves a few interesting steps.
- First, cheesemakers use unpasteurised ewe's milk.
- They add something called "animal rennet." Rennet is a natural substance that helps the milk separate into solid curds and liquid whey.
- After the curds form, they are placed into special plastic kitchen colanders. These colanders are not just for draining; they give the cheese its unique, basket-like shape.
- The cheese then needs to age. Berkswell cheese usually ages for about 4 to 8 months. This aging process helps it develop its full flavor and firm texture.
Some people say Berkswell cheese tastes a bit like a mature Pecorino. Pecorino is another type of hard cheese, often made from sheep's milk, that comes from Italy.
Awards and Recognition
Berkswell cheese has won important awards for its quality. In 2017, it was named the Supreme Champion at the Artisan Cheese Awards. This is a big honor, showing that experts think Berkswell is one of the best cheeses around!
